Golden Eagle

Physical Description

Golden eagles range in color from black-brown to dark brown with a striking golden head and neck. They can reach up to 3ft in height with a wingspan of up to 7.5 ft and can weigh up to 15 lbs. Their eyes don’t move much in the eye socket, but an eagle can rotate its head about 270 degrees.

Predators

Adult golden eagles have little to fear from natural predators, although crows, jays, and other raptors often harass them.

Eagle chicks are not so lucky, as wolverines and grizzly bears may prey on them.

Lifespan

Golden eagles live up to 38 years in the wild, and up to 50 years under human care.

Reproduction

Golden eagle pairs usually mate for life and will build several nests in their territory. Courtship begins at the start of the year. Males will put on an aerial display where he folds his wings and drops headfirst until close to the ground, when he spreads his wings to soar aloft and repeat the action. Females will lay 2 eggs a few days apart between January and May. Chicks will remain in the nest for approximately 50 days.

Fun Facts

Golden eagles are often mistaken for juvenile bald eagles, as their coloration and size are very similar.
Eagles have about 7,000 feathers.

Conservation Messaging

Most of the Bird of Prey here at the zoo are all rehabilitated birds who have sustained different injuries deeming them unreleasable. These birds fall victim to debris found on the side of the road. If it’s an apple core, banana peel, or some discarded trash it will attract their prey items which will then attract the bird of prey. Birds of prey have tunnel vision when hunting and will often not see a car coming. One simple way we can help is to dispose of all your trash properly, even natural items like apple cores and banana peels.

Lorikeet

Physical Description

Lorikeets are some of the most colorful members of the parrot family with most lorikeets being green with patches of red and yellow but some being other color combinations. Their size ranges from 6-15 inches depending on species, and they are known for their unique, brush-like tongue which helps them harvest pollen and nectar.

Predators

Predators they may encounter include birds of prey and snakes.

Lifespan

Their lifespan varies by species, with smaller species typically living 12-15 years and larger ones living 25-35 years.

Reproduction

Most lorikeets mate for life and can breed at any time during the year, though some species may vary by location. The female usually lays 2 eggs, and even though both parents will be in the roost, only the female will incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days. The chicks will begin to fledge after about 7 to 8 weeks.

Fun Facts

Because of habitat destruction, introduction of invasive species and exotic diseases, and illegal trapping for the pet trade industry, at least 13 species are endangered or vulnerable, particularly those found only on small islands.
Lorikeets are very social and have sometimes been found in flocks of thousands of individuals.

Conservation Messaging

Lorikeets and Cockatoos are often viewed as these beautiful and intelligent birds. While many people will fall in love with exotic birds for that reason, most of these birds are considered vulnerable, threatened, or endangered out in the wild.

By purchasing and owning an exotic animal, you could be supporting the illegal exotic pet trade. What we see is vibrant colors of a parrot or the incredible ability to mimic sound but what we don’t see is how these animals were first illegally poached from the wild. One more exotic pet in captivity is one less animal in the wild which is resulting in species population numbers dropping drastically.

Ostrich

Physical Description

Males are 7-9 feet tall, can weigh more than 300 lbs, and have striking black and white feathers. While females, known as hens, are around 6 feet tall, weigh up to 220 lbs, and have grayish-brown feathers. They have “wings” but are unable to use them to fly because they are too heavy. Instead, they use their wings for balance, for displays and courtship, and to show dominance or submission.

Predators

As the largest living bird with a powerful kick that can kill various types of predators, not many animals will risk attacking an ostrich. Their main predators include lions and painted dogs for adults and hyenas, jackals, and Egyptian vultures for their eggs.

Lifespan

It is unknown what the average lifespan for an ostrich is in the wild, but under human care, they can live 30-40 years.

Fun Facts

Ostriches are excellent runners, reaching speeds of up to 43 mph, while using their wings as “rudders” to change direction or as a “parachute” to slow down.
They lay the largest eggs on the planet! Each egg weighs around 3 lbs. Only dinosaurs laid bigger eggs.

Conservation Messaging

Our Ostriches and Zebras are found throughout different areas of Africa. Like many other animals in Africa, habitat loss has been increasing due to human encroachment. Agriculture, infrastructure, and resource extraction are just a few of the contributions to the destruction of wildlife habitats in Africa.

One thing that we can do is support sustainable agriculture practices. By purchasing products that are certified such as Bird Friendly Coffee, you are helping in the conservation of forests and habitats around the world.

Peregrine Falcon

Physical Description

Peregrine falcons have streamlined bodies with long, pointed wings. Adult falcons measure 14 to 23 inches in length with a wingspan ranging from 36 to 44 inches and typically weigh 1 to 3 and 1/2 pounds. They have slate-colored, barred plumage and creamy white chests, a sharp, pale blue beak, and bright yellow feet.

Predators

Predators can include other birds of prey.

Lifespan

In the wild, these falcons can live up to 15 years, while under human care they can live longer than 15.

Reproduction

Peregrine falcons form strong pair bonds. They stay paired indefinitely, though re-pairings do occur occasionally. They nest on cliffs in wild areas, and on building ledges or bridges in cities. An average of three to four eggs are incubated by both parents for 28 days, and hatchlings fledge after 25-42 days.

Fun Facts

Peregrine falcons can reach speeds up to 200 mph when diving for their prey. When hunting, peregrine falcons will soar high up into the air. Once a prey is spotted, the falcon will fold its wings in, and divebomb.
By the 1960’s, peregrine falcon numbers had declined severely in the eastern United States due to the accidental ingestion of the pesticide DDT. In 1970, the peregrine falcon was officially listed as endangered. The release of captive-raised young and the protection of nest sites led to them being removed from the federal Endangered Species list in 1999.

Conservation Messaging

Raven

Physical Description

Common ravens are the largest members of the Corvid family. On average, they can grow to be 22-27 inches long with a wingspan of 45-46 in. Most ravens are black and will have ruff feathers, called hackles, on their throat. Their strong, large feet and long bills can be used for ripping items open and even for using tools!

Predators

Few animals attempt to prey on ravens, but if they are feeding on a carcass, ravens may encounter polar bears, wolves, coyotes, and birds of prey and will defer to them. However, they also have been known to work cooperatively to distract other predators at feed sites while certain individuals eat.

Lifespan

In the wild, they have been known to live an average of 10-15 years, but in human care they have been known to live up to 40-50 years.

Reproduction

Ravens have been known to mate for life and will often fly with their wingtips touching those of their mate. The pair will build their nest in their established territory. The female will lay anywhere from 4-7 eggs at a time. She will incubate the eggs for about 20 days.

During that time, the male will hunt and bring food back to the female. Once hatched, the chicks will stay in the nest for about 4 weeks.

Fun Facts

They are often mistaken for crows, but ravens are usually larger and have longer, wedge-shaped tail feathers.
Ravens are highly intelligent and are able to make up to 30 different vocalizations! They are even capable of mimicking certain animal sounds or simple human words.

Conservation Messaging

Ravens are considered to be one of the smartest of the bird species and they’re incredible problem solvers! For instance, they will call larger carnivores over to a dead carcass in order for them to tear it open in which now they can eat it for themselves!

They’re considered scavenger hunters and will feed on pests such as rodents and insects but will also clean up carrion. This makes them a very important part of the ecosystem in which they live. Ecosystems have a natural balance so it’s important for us as humans to leave no trace!

Once you leave nature, no one should know that you’ve been there. This means bringing out anything that you’ve brought in. Additionally, leaving the environment unaltered is equally important. To learn more about the Leave no Trace initiative and their 7 principles for minimum impact practices, visit: www.lnt.org.

Snowy Owl

Physical Description

Female snowy owls are larger than males and are speckled with black spots. Very thick plumage and heavily feathered legs and feet insulate snowy owls against extremely cold temperatures. Owl eyes are so big that there is little room for eye muscles, meaning owls can’t move their eyes. Instead, owls move their entire head turning their heads about 270 degrees in either direction.

Predators

Foxes, bobcats, coyotes, bears, and occasionally snakes and other birds of prey.

Lifespan

In the wild, owls live on average around 5-10 years. Under human care they can live up to 30 years.

Reproduction

Owls are usually solitary outside of breeding season. Male owls may bring offerings of food, dropping the item near the female, who is usually much larger, to catch her interest. If prey is scarce, only two or three eggs may be laid; if food is easily available, then six or more eggs may be laid. Chicks generally hatch two days apart, with the oldest chicks getting the most food. Young owl chicks are cared for by their mother for about three months.

Fun Facts

Lemmings are the most important food source for snowy owls, and their breeding is tied to the cyclic changes in lemming numbers.
Snowy owls are one of the heaviest owl species in North America.

Conservation Messaging

Turkey Vulture

Physical Description

Vultures are very large birds with sharp, hooked beaks for tearing apart meat and wide wingspans. New World vultures have a distinctive bald head, an adaptation that helps reduce the risk of disease. Their strong immune system allows vultures to eat rotting and possibly infected meat without getting sick. They have long, horizontal nostrils with a space between them and lack a voice box, so they cannot make any sound except hisses and grunts.

Predators

Jaguars, mountain lions, hawks, eagles, and raccoons.

Lifespan

In the wild vultures live around 20 years. Under human care they can live into their 30s.

Reproduction

Vultures form monogamous pairs for life, and males will court females by showing off their flying skills, almost touching the females’ wing tip as they fly by. New World vultures lay their egg(s) in a cave or under a rocky overhang, under bushes or rock piles, or in tree hollows or fallen logs. Females lay one egg if she is a larger vulture and two eggs if she is smaller. Both parents incubate and feed the chicks. Chicks remain in the nest for 2-3 months until they learn how to find and compete for food.

Fun Facts

Most birds are believed to have a very poor sense of smell, but the Turkey Vulture is an exception, apparently able to find carrion by odor.
Vultures will urinate down their legs to cool the blood in their lower extremities, which helps regulate their body temperature.

Conservation Messaging

West African Crowned Crane

NOTE: Education Animals are “behind-the-scenes” animals & only appear to the public during Educational events. This includes scheduled events or programs such as daily animal mingles, private onsite programs, and zoo reaches. For more information, please reach out to edureservations@lvzoo.org.

Program and General Information

West African black crowned cranes are native to the grasslands, marshes, and meadows of Northwest Africa. They are typically found near lakes and streams. They average about 3 feet in height and have wing spans reaching up to 6 feet. . Adults have a black body with white wings and wing feathers ranging in color from white to brown to gold. The head is topped with stiff golden feathers, red and white cheek patches, and a small red throat sac. Crowned cranes are omnivores that eat primarily grasses, seeds, and grains, but will also consume insects, small mammals/ reptiles, and even seeds from cultivating crops. Breeding occurs from May to December, typically during the rainy season. Black crowned cranes nest in or very near standing water. Females lay clutches of 3-4 eggs and incubation lasts about 30 days. A family of black crowned cranes will stay together for 9-10 months, and by 12 months chicks will begin gaining their adult plumage. Maturity is reached around 3 years.

Diet

West African black crowned cranes are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. The majority of their diet consists of grasses, seeds, and grains, but they will also consume crustaceans, small mammals, reptiles, and seeds from cultivating crops. They tend to forage most in grasses growing near marshes and swamps, and in croplands.

Black crowned cranes roost in trees at night and are active during the day. They spend 50-75% of their waking hours foraging for food. They may seek shade and rest during the hottest part of the day, and will pant visibly on extremely hot days. These cranes are known to stamp their feet when walking through grassy vegetation in order to stir up insects that they can feed upon. They will also walk among grazing cattle, presumably to catch insects that cattle disturb and/or attract.

Habitat and Range

West African black crowned cranes are native to Northwest Africa from Chad and Cameroon to Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya. They prefer more wetland areas and can be found near lakes and streams in open grasslands, marshes, and meadows.

Black crowned cranes are quite noticeable when gathering together and roosting in large flocks. They often select habitats with trees, because they are one of only two crane species that are able to roost in trees.

Common Physical Features

West African crowned cranes can get up to 3 feet and have a wing span of 6 feet. Although they are a rather tall bird, these cranes only weigh on average 8 pounds. Adults have a black body with white wings and wing feathers ranging in color from white to brown to gold. The head is topped with stiff golden feathers, red and white cheek patches, and a small red throat sac. They also have long, black legs and a short, grey bill. The juveniles have blackish feathers with a cinnamon-brown head, no cheek patches, and a spiky, dull crown.

Adaptations: Crowned cranes are named for their striking golden head feathers. There is even an African legend about their golden crowns! The legend states that a great chief once became lost while hunting with his court in the heat of the summer. He quickly became weak from lack of water and food. He asked several passing animals, such as zebra, elephant, and antelope, if they would help him, but they all refused because he had hunted them. Finally, a flock of cranes flew by and agreed to help him. They brought the chief water and then led him to his court. As a reward, he had his goldsmith make each crane a gold crown. The next day, the cranes appeared without the crowns and explained to the chief that the other animals were jealous and had stolen and destroyed the crowns. The chief then called for his court magician, who touched each crane on the top of the head. From the place where the crane was touched grew its crown of gold feathers.

Because of their height, African crowned cranes are able to easily see over tall grass and keep an eye out for any nearby predators. The golden feathers on top of their head also help the bird camouflage among the grass.

Cranes are some of the tallest birds in the world. In flight, their body forms a straight line from bill to toes. They use a slow, downward flap and a rapid upstroke. They fly with their neck outstretched and their feet straight out behind.

These remarkable birds also have a vast vocal communication system. Each type has its own tone and volume, from the soft honks of crowned cranes to the flutelike call of Siberian cranes. Crane chicks start to learn their “language” as soon as they hatch and know at least six calls by the end of their first year.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Black Crowned Cranes are monogamous and appear to mate for life. During courtship they perform a “nuptial dance” in which both birds bob, bow, and jump around each other while calling and spreading their wings. All cranes, young and old alike, participate in elaborate, enthusiastic “dancing.” For the young, dancing helps to develop physical, social skills, and may even help to reduce anxiety/stress. Pairs cooperatively build nests, incubate eggs, and care for their young. Black crowned cranes nest in or very near standing water, in marshes, swamps, or flooded fields. This provides cover but allows the crane maximum visibility with only its head showing.

Breeding season occurs from May to December and cranes may move to more wetland areas to breed. Pairs will defend their nesting territory aggressively.

Females lay clutches of 2-4 eggs and incubation lasts about 30 days. Eggs laid in warmer climates are white or light-colored to help the eggs reflect excess heat. Eggs laid in colder regions are darker in color so the eggs can absorb heat. After the chicks hatch, they stay near the nest for about a day and then begin to follow their parents around in search of food. About 12 hours after hatching they are capable of swimming and floating. They begin eating after 24 hours. A family of black crowned cranes will stay together for 9-10 months before the chicks are left to their own devices. Chicks will begin to gain their adult plumage around 12 months and will reach maturity around 3 years.

Conservation Messaging

Conservation of the Natural World
Black Crowned Cranes are in danger due to habitat loss including desertification, illegal capture for commercial trade, unintentional and intentional poisoning, human disturbance, unsustainable exploitation and conversion of wetlands.

Habitat loss and degradation are the Crowned Crane’s major threats. This occurs due to natural events such as droughts and fires, and human events such as overgrazing, agriculture, pollution, and industrial construction. The intensification of agriculture has also increased the amount of pesticide use. This can be toxic to cranes if ingested and will also decrease the amount of food available.

What can we do?: Supporting local conservation efforts and organizations is a great way to help ensure species such as the West African black crowned crane continue to thrive. One of the biggest ways we can help is by supporting sustainable agriculture practices. By purchasing products that are certified by organizations such as Bird Friendly, you are helping in the conservation of forests and habitats around the world. Switching to a more sustainable lifestyle can also help. By using public transport, turning off lights that are not in use, reducing the use of plastic, and using more organic cleaning products we can help to reduce pollution in our environments. Remember the phrase, “reduce, reuse, recycle!”

Fun Facts

Some African people believe these birds bring rain, while others have incorporated the crane’s dances into their own rituals.
West African crowned cranes are also known as black crowned cranes and are the national bird of Nigeria.
The mating rituals of crowned cranes are so engaging that some African tribes have made them a part of their culture.
In a flock of cranes, once a dance starts, it can quickly become contagious, with all the cranes joining in.
Red-crowned cranes are associated with nobility and immortality in China.
The flag of Uganda features a crowned crane, making it one of the few national flags to bear the image of a bird.
Fossil records show that crowned cranes existed 37 to 54 million years ago. Prehistoric cave paintings of cranes have been found in Europe, Africa, and Australia.

Bibliography

Red-Tailed Hawk

Physical Description

Red-tailed hawks have a wingspan of 41-53 in. All adult red-tailed hawks have a copper-colored tail. The rest of their plumage varies greatly, though generally the back and wings are darker than the rest of the body, ranging from a light auburn to a dark brown. Their beaks are short and hooked, and they have large, curved talons.

Predators

Being an apex predator, red-tailed hawks do not have many predators. Owls and crows may attack their nests.

Lifespan

They live on average 12 years in the wild, and up to 29 years under human care.

Reproduction

Red-tails pair up for life. Both parents build a nest, usually in a tall tree. The nest can be up to three feet (one meter) across. The female lays 1-5 grayish-white, speckled eggs at two-day intervals. Both parents incubate the eggs, but when it’s the female’s turn, the male provides her meals. Young hawks begin to fledge in 42 to 48 days but remain with the parents for another 30 to 70 days.

Fun Facts

The powerful cry of a red-tailed hawk is the same cry used in TV commercials depicting bald eagles.
Red-tailed hawk eggshells are tinted green on the inside.

Conservation Messaging

Eastern Screech Owl

General Information

The Eastern screech owl is an average sized bird with a 19-24 inch wingspan. As is common with many birds of prey, the females of this species tend to be larger than the males. They can be either gray or rufous (a red/brown coloration), with darker streaking of color covering the body. Eastern screech owls also have feathered tufts on their heads and feathered feet as well. They are carnivores that prey on small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and even smaller birds.

Breeding season occurs in late winter early spring. Females lay clutches of 2-6 eggs, which will incubate for about 26 days. Chicks will fledge – i.e. leave the nest and start to fly – after about four weeks, but will remain dependent on their parents for food for another five to six weeks. Maturity occurs around 1 year.

Diet

Eastern screech-owls in the wild have a greatly varied diet. They catch and eat most things smaller than them including insects, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. These amazing little owls are even agile enough in flight to prey on finches, jays, and doves among other birds. When it comes to mammals, screech-owls frequently consume rats and mice as well as moles and rabbits.

Eastern screech owls are sit-and-wait hunters that swoop down silently on their next meal from low-lying branches. They usually hunt in the dim light of dusk and dawn or at night. If an eastern screech-owl catches more food than it can eat, it may cache excess food in tree cavities to save for other days when hunting isn’t as successful. After eating, screech owls (like other owls) expel small pellets of indigestible prey parts: bones, fur, feathers, and even teeth. The average screech owl regurgitates two to four pellets per day.

Habitat and Range

Due to their ability to easily adjust to many habitat types, the eastern screech owl has a large ecological niche. These small owls can be found all along the eastern part of North America from the bottom of Canada to the top of Mexico. They can readily adapt to living near humans in urban and suburban areas, although they prefer to be located in wooded regions.

Eastern screech-owls do not build nests and thus must find already made nest cavities to occupy. They will use anything from woodpecker holes to nest boxes meant for wood ducks and kestrels. Eastern screech-owls are not migratory birds.

Common Physical Features

Eastern screech owls are a smaller owl ranging in size from 6-10 inches and a wingspan of 19-24 inches. As is common with many birds of prey, the females of this species tend to be larger than the males. Eastern screech owls are a mix of white, gray, and reddish-brown—coloration that helps them blend into the branches and trees. Eastern screech owls have feathered tufts on their heads and feathered feet as well. Juveniles of the species closely resemble adults, but have ear tufts that are not fully developed and may also have light and dark barring on the head, mantle, and under parts.

In areas where both western and eastern screech owls are found, it is easiest to tell the two apart by sound. Also, the Eastern Screech-Owl is slightly smaller than the Western Screech-owl. The two most common calls of the eastern screech owl are the even-pitched trill and the descending whinny. Both of these calls can be heard at night as this animal is primarily a nocturnal hunter.

Adaptations: Eastern screech owls are ambush predators that swoop down silently on their next meal from low-lying branches. The soft edges on their serrated flying feathers help muffle the sound of their flapping wings, enabling them to sneak up on their prey silently. Most hunting is done during the first 4 hours after sunset.

These owls have symmetrical ears, which suggest that they hunt primarily using their vision. They do, however, have excellent hearing as they often capture prey hidden by leaf litter. Disc feathers around eyes serve as sound collectors. Wide set ear tufts, which are feathers and not the actual ears, can stand up totally when alert or lay flat against head to help funnel sounds into ear slits which are located on the sides of the head.

The Eastern screech owl’s yellow eyes are so large that they can’t move in their sockets. In order to look around, these owls have to turn their neck, which can rotate up to 270 degrees in either direction. They have excellent vision in both the light and dark.

Like other owls, the screech owl also has a strong curved beak and talons to help it catch its prey.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Once they’ve reached sexual maturity, Eastern screech-owls will select a mate and pair bond to that bird. Like many birds of prey, most eastern screech-owls mate for life after successful breeding. If breeding isn’t successful, however, the pair may switch and re-pair with other birds until they form a successful breeding pair.
Breeding occurs in late winter early spring.

To court a female, the male screech-owl will give a trill call while running up and down branches. Once mated, the female will select a nest location. Eastern screech owls don’t build a nest. Instead, thy will look for natural tree cavities or the abandoned nests of other animals. Females lay their eggs directly on the layer of fur and feathers left over from their previous meals that lines the bottom of their den.

Females lay clutches of 2-6 eggs in early spring and incubate the eggs for about 26 days. After hatching, chicks are covered in white down and their eyes are sealed shut. The female will brood them (i.e. keep them safe and warm) while the male provides food. Chicks will fledge – i.e. leave the nest and start to fly – after about 4 weeks, but will remain dependent on their parents for food for another 5-6 weeks. Chick will fully mature around 1 year of age.

Conservation Messaging

Together with Nature
Most of the Bird of Prey here at the zoo are all rehabilitated birds who have sustained different injuries deeming them unreleasable. These birds fall victim to debris found on the side of the road. If it’s an apple core, banana peel, or some discarded trash it will attract their prey items which will then attract the bird of prey. Birds of prey have tunnel vision when hunting and will often not see a car coming.

What can we do?: One simple way we can help is to dispose of all your trash properly, even natural items like apple cores and banana peels. Ecosystems have a natural balance so it’s important for us as humans to leave no trace! Once you leave nature, no one should know that you’ve been there. This means bringing out anything that you’ve brought in. Additionally, leaving the environment unaltered is equally important.

Never remove an animal from the wild! Some well-meaning people may think its a good idea to try and aid injured animals or relocate “pest” animals, but the truth is, trapping rarely ends well for wildlife and is not a long term solution.

While you might be thinking you are helping that animal, most people don’t realize the amount of care and time that goes in to caring for these animals, and removing them from their natural environment can be detrimental to the wild populations. If wild animals are not causing damage or posing danger, the best solution is to coexist! If you come across injured wildlife please call your local wildlife rehabilitation center as they are better equipped to handle and care for that animal.

Fun Facts

The eggs generally hatch in the order they were laid, so that all the young are not born at the same time.
Regurgitate pellets (castings) of feathers, bones and fur several hours after they’ve eaten. It’s believed that pellet formation and regurgitation are necessary for a bird’s good health.
The screech owl is the most abundant and familiar of all North American owls, ranging throughout the United States and northern Mexico and are the smallest “eared” owls east of the Rocky Mountains.

Bibliography